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Monday, December 27, 2010

DIY - Photo backdrop for New Years Eve

New Years Eve is one of my favorite days simply because I have a great excuse to dress up and have fun with my friends. For my group of friends, that means a lot of photo taking. If you are staying in or headed to someone elses house, create a backdrop for your pictures. How can you do this? There are several different options and I will share with you some of my tips.

Option 1: Print one large image.

This is the easiest option for me. I have several different programs that allows me to create digital images. An easy way for someone with just Microsoft Office, change your paper size in your page setup menu to the backdrop size you want. I made mine 36” x 72” so that it could fit right on a door. Keep in mind, you will want to make sure the image can be printed to the size you make. I printed mine on my own plotter which holds a 36” roll of paper. If you print at Staples or Fed Ex/Kinko’s, check their website for size options. Now you can print your design on your paper.

This is an actual image of the backdrop I made last year. I layered three images: a starry night, a skyline silhouette, and yellow blocks for windows.

Option 2: Print smaller images.

Another option is for those of you who want a solid back drop with small details. If you want a large backdrop, use a tablecloth or sheet in a neutral color. Place your images and/or text into your Word document. Play with fonts and colors until you find a combination you really like. Print out your document on iron transfer paper and iron them onto the sheet where you want them.

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Option 3: Streamer.

It may sound cheep but an overload of streamer can really be pretty cool. Just take it from Smilebooth, who has some amazing backdrops that you can rent. But if you have the time, use theirs to inspire your own.

Option 4: Frame it.

It is so fun to use frames in photos. Pick up an old one from a flea market or dismantle your own art for the night. Hold the frame around your face, hold it around someone else face, or hang it from you neck. I promise it will be cute!

Option 5: Shower.

This may sound strange but perhaps one of the easiest things you could do is hang a shower curtain. There are some gorgeous ones out there including these from Urban Outfitters.

Lastly, visit this link to learn the best way to apply your makeup for a night of flash photography. Elessa is one of my favorite beauty guru’s and she knows her stuff!